Guest blog: Self-care in challenging and changing times

When we’re faced with significant life changes, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and let routine appointments drop off the radar. Self-care is often the first thing to go, but it’s really the most important element to maintain when you’re dealing with any upheavals in your life.

For this month’s guest column, Colette Murray from Access Dental Hygiene Services shares with us her insights into keeping self-care at the top of the priority list.

Let’s face it, change is inevitable. They say the only constant is change. Transitions in life can be related to your career, your home, family life, changes in your health, or your financial situation.

When we are dealing with life changing events — even if they are not sudden — we tend to let our self-care drop to the bottom of the priority ladder.

Changes to your health can create a time management challenge. Your regular self-care routine and maintenance appointments may suddenly get pushed aside to make time for extra appointments or meetings that you need to attend. Money can also become a challenge. You may no longer have access to health benefits that help support your self-care regimen.

Don’t fret! A little planning can go a long way. In situations where you no longer have health benefits, whether it is due to a job change, job loss or retirement situation, a conversation with your financial advisor can help. If you know that there are certain health and wellness services you would like to maintain, an advisor can help you fund those services despite the changes life brings.

You have options for health care

Health care providers are continually adapting their practice models to allow for clients’ needs. Mobile health and wellness providers offer convenient care options that can be time saving solutions. These services often add increased comfort when they are provided in the familiar environment of the client’s home. Most mobile care providers strive to keep services affordable so that cost is not a barrier to care.

Dental care can be one of the self-care efforts that often slides down on the priority ladder. Rather than letting it drop off your radar, have a frank discussion with your dental team. Let them know about the life changes you’re dealing with so they can better support you. From pre-scheduling appointment times to match your schedule, to establishing a treatment plan focused on essential care, and opportunities for payment plans or discounts, there are often many ways your dental team will be able to support your needs while maintaining your health.

Above all, prevention is a key focus. At your dental hygiene appointments, ask questions about how you can prevent significant dental problems. Regular maintenance can seem pricey at a few hundred dollars per year; however, finding out early about small problems can be a huge cost saver in the end. Big dental problems cost big dollars!

No matter the life changes coming your way – planned or unexpected – don’t sacrifice your general wellbeing. Any effort you can make to look after yourself and your family will work in your favour. I recommend to eat healthy, exercise often… and floss regularly, of course!